Different typesof wool fabrics

• Merino Fresh business suits can be washed by hanging them in the shower — ready to wear the following day with no need for ironing.

• Wool naturally absorbs UV rays from the sun, but UV Merino is specially treated during processing so the fabric can increase the Sun Protection by up to 20UPF units.

• Many wool garments are machine-washable, and some can be tumble dried. They won’t shrink, lose their shape, fade or colour-bleed.

Fibre diameter — the thickness of a single wool fibre.

Fleece — the wool that covers the body of a sheep, usually removed by shearing.

Natural fibre — a fibre sourced from a plant or animal, not manufactured in laboratories (synthetic fibre).

Woollen processing — uses shorter fibres, less stages and produces a thicker yarn than worsted processing.

Worsted processing — uses longer fibres, more stages and produces a finer, high-quality yarn than woollen processing.

Yarn — fibres of wool twisted together to form a rope-like thread ready for knitting or weaving.

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Different types of wool fabrics

• Cool Wool fabrics are specially designed to be worn in a hot climate — like Australia — during spring and summer.

• Wool can absorb up to 35% of its own weight in water, more than cotton (24%), nylon (7%) and polyester (1%).

• Wearing wool when you play sport can keep you cooler and drier by absorbing moisture from your skin as you sweat.

Wool is a versatile natural fibre, which can be made into a wide range of woven or knitted fabrics.Depending on the length and fibre diameter (fineness) of a fleece, it can be processed through either the woollen or worsted processing system.

Woollen-spun woven fabricsWoollen-spun woven fabrics are generally thick and heavy. They are ideal for warm winter jackets and coats. These fabrics are generally wind-proof and can repel light rain, so are good to wear when playing outside in winter.

Woollen-spun knitted fabricsKnitted fabrics made from woollen-spun yarn are generally heavier and bulkier than worsted-spun knitted fabrics. They make great soft, warm jumpers, scarves, beanies, socks and cardigans.

Worsted-spun woven fabricsWorsted processing uses the highest-quality fleeces to produce very fine yarns, which can be woven to produce smooth, light-weight fabrics.These fabrics are used by fine tailors around the world for clothes such as business suits, trousers and skirts.Worsted-spun woven fabrics are ideal to wear in warm weather or inside, where they keep you cool and comfortable.

Worsted-spun knitted fabricsFine worsted-spun yarns produce super-soft knitted fabrics that feel great next to your skin. These fabrics are incredibly versatile — they are used for baby clothes, underwear, t-shirts and sportwear, leggings, dresses and other light-weight knitwear.Worsted-spun knitted fabrics can be ideal for wearing every day — they are soft and comfortable and look great, too. They are also great for travelling as they are soft, cool and comfortable and light-weight to pack in your luggage — and they don’t need ironing!

To find out more about wool fabrics take a look at:

• learnaboutwool.com• Beyond the Bale magazine:

beyondthebale.wool.com• woolmark.com/textile-innovations• the posters, fibre yarn and fabric samples in the

hardcopy Learn About Wool Kit.

More information

Fun factsabout wool

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